Liberia held general elections on 5 May 1959, the last presidential contest of the First Republic to feature more than one candidate.
Presidential election
President William V. S. Tubman of the True Whig Party defeated independent candidate William O. Davies-Bright. Published historical tables report 530,566 votes for Tubman and 55 for Davies-Bright.
Data caution
The numerical return is widely reproduced in comparative election references, but Liberia Civic has not yet located a complete digitized certified national canvass. The totals are therefore presented as published historical figures rather than independently audited results.
Vice presidency
William R. Tolbert Jr. continued as Tubman’s vice president.
Legislative milestone
The election produced an important representation milestone: Ellen Mills Scarbrough became the first woman elected to Liberia’s Legislature, winning a seat in the House of Representatives.
Political setting
Although formal opposition appeared on the presidential ballot, the True Whig Party remained overwhelmingly dominant in national institutions.
Historical significance
After 1959, Liberia’s presidential elections remained uncontested through the end of the First Republic, making this the final multi-candidate presidential race before the 1980 coup.
Evidence status
Verified across established references: date, candidates, winner, reported totals, and Scarbrough’s milestone. Not yet verified from a complete primary return: precinct detail, turnout, and full legislative distribution.